Bar is, without a doubt, the worst town on Montenegro’s coast. However, it does have a few undeniable advantages that other resorts lack. This is an objective review of the town—why you shouldn’t come here for a vacation, but also who might actually find it appealing. I’ll cover Bar’s main attractions, its beaches, the best restaurants, and what there is to do for tourists.
Table of contents:
- Bar, Montenegro: General Information
- Pros of Staying in Bar: Who Might Enjoy It?
- Cons of Vacationing in Bar
- Beaches of Bar
- Best Restaurants: Where to Eat Well in Bar
- Top 5 Places to Visit in Bar and Its Surroundings
- Where to Stay: Hotels and Apartments
- Shops and Malls: Is Shopping in Bar Really Better Than in Italy?
- How to Get There: Bus, Train
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Bar, Montenegro: General Information
Bar is the country’s most important transport and logistics hub, and while some rankings label it a tourist resort, locals don’t see it that way. Here’s a general overview of the town:
- 📍 Coordinates: 42.091456256589964, 19.089775118984097
- Founded: First mentioned in the 6th century AD, though Illyrian tribes lived here as early as the 4th century BC.
- Population: About 15,000 people—relatively large by Montenegrin standards.
Important Facts:
- A significant portion of Bar’s coastline is occupied by a naval base, the country’s largest port, a yacht marina, and Montenegro’s biggest freight railway terminal.
- The only railway line connecting Montenegro’s major industrial cities (Podgorica and Nikšić) to the coast ends in Bar.
- This is the only port in the country that operates ferries to Italy and other Mediterranean destinations. A large share of Montenegro’s trade passes through Bar’s port and railway terminal.
- Bar is also the only town in Montenegro from which you can take your car on a ferry to Italy in just 8 hours, avoiding a 2,000-km overland journey.
2. Military base
3. Cargo railway terminal
4. Port and marina for yachts, and
5 – is a city beach
Pros of Staying in Bar: Who Might Enjoy It?
Even though I argue that Bar is not exactly a tourist town, it does have its advantages.
Interesting to know:
Bar is divided into two main areas—Old Bar and New Bar. Old Bar, founded in the 6th century, features the remains of a fortress and some historical landmarks. However, it sits 5 km from the sea in the mountains, so you’ll need a bus or car to get there. New Bar, on the other hand, was designed and built during the Yugoslav era, making its architecture quite different from the rest of Montenegro.
- Flat terrain: Unlike other coastal towns, you won’t be endlessly climbing stairs. This is a huge advantage for families with young children. About vacation with children in Montenegro.
- Wide, smooth asphalt roads and sidewalks: Unlike many coastal towns, Bar actually has sidewalks, and they are spacious! In other places, they are often nonexistent or extremely narrow.
- Great for drivers: Bar has excellent roads and plenty of free parking, unlike Kotor, Budva, or Herceg Novi, where parking is both scarce and expensive.
A Budget-Friendly Destination:
Bar is also considered one of the cheapest places for tourists in Montenegro. Food prices are fairly consistent across the country, but accommodation here is noticeably cheaper. Even during peak season, you can find apartments for €20–30 per night, whereas in Budva or Kotor, similar options start at €40 or more.
Cons of Staying in Bar
The biggest drawback of Bar is its beaches. As seen in the aerial photo earlier, a large part of the coastline is occupied by the freight railway terminal, naval base, port, and marina. While there is a beach, the water is always murky (read: dirty), and maintenance is poor. If you’re looking for good swimming spots, check out the section below.
The main promenade along the sea is also underwhelming. While it’s possible to take a walk, it lacks the charm and scenic views found in other Montenegrin towns.
Another downside, which isn’t immediately obvious, is Bar’s architecture. The town feels more like a gray, Soviet-style city with dull buildings. It lacks the traditional Montenegrin charm—except for the palm trees, you might as well be in an Eastern European suburb rather than at a seaside resort. Unlike Budva or Kotor, there aren’t many attractions here. You’ll probably explore the entire town on your first evening—but then what?
The Beaches of Bar
Bar’s main beach is just over 2 km long, but it is poorly maintained. People do swim and sunbathe here, but most prefer to travel to beaches outside the city. The proximity to the freight port makes the main beach rather unappealing.
Instead of writing much, let me just show you:
Further down (in the “Things to See” section), you’ll find a map of Bar’s attractions, which includes beaches with clear water and beautiful scenery. However, the list isn’t long—again, Bar is not a beach destination, and that’s its biggest downside.
The Main Beach Breakdown:
The 2 km stretch of Bar’s main beach is divided into three sections:
- Bar Beach (42.10217, 19.08904) – closest to the marina and the dirtiest. Tourists don’t swim here, but it’s a great spot to watch the sunset.
- Royal Beach – the next section, where people actually go to swim.
- Topolica Beach – the last section, officially designated for pets. In reality, it’s the only beach in Bar where dogs are allowed to swim.
Further along the coast, you’ll find:
- Šušanj Beach (42.10968917586614, 19.08598178354205) – 2 km from Bar’s center, walkable. It’s the most popular beach among tourists in Bar, but complaints about bad smells, dirt, and murky water are common. Well, it’s Bar—what did you expect? 😅
- Red Beach (42.12011, 19.07049) – 3.5 km from Bar, named after its reddish-pink sand. It’s small, crowded in the summer, and lined with €20-per-day sunbeds.
Finally, the most remote option:
- Bigovica Beach (42.0767627069971, 19.085882878918596) – A small, wild pebble beach (about 70 meters long), located on the other side of the port and railway terminal. It’s about 5 km from Bar’s center—you can drive 3.5 km, but the last stretch is a scenic walking trail. Since this is a wild beach, bring food and water with you.
Sutomore Beaches – 5-6 km away, in the resort town of Sutomore. One particularly interesting beach here requires you to pass through a 200-meter tunnel inside a rock. And no, this tunnel wasn’t originally meant for people or cars—it was built for water.
Good to know:
All beaches in Bar and its surroundings are pebble beaches.
The Best Restaurants in Bar: Where to Eat Well
Since Bar is a year-round city, most restaurants stay open even in the winter. Finding a place for dinner is never a problem, and portion sizes are big, especially when it comes to meat dishes.
Quick Tip:
Bar has many Montenegrin fast-food spots, where you can get a huge pljeskavica or ćevapi for just €4-5. It’s delicious—definitely try it!
Here are some great budget-friendly places I personally love. They’ll all be marked on the city’s attractions map below:
- Mala Kuzina (42.10730432758072, 19.090533388718512) – A local fast-food joint specializing in charcoal-grilled meats. The menu photo above is from here. Everything is delicious, and you can enjoy your meal by the sea.
- Gurman (42.09579, 19.09494) – A traditional Montenegrin restaurant, popular with locals. Huge portions, great flavors, no fancy decor—just good food at low prices.
- Pulena Pizza Pub (42.09874246297273, 19.095947405319958) – Mostly a pizzeria, but they also serve local dishes and draft beer. The pizza is always great—a solid lunch option.
- Burger Palace (42.09785, 19.09732) – Another top-tier fast-food place (Montenegrins call these ćevapdžinicas). Huge pljeskavicas and ćevapi—a must-try.
TOP 5 places or what to visit in Bar and its surroundings
When it comes to sightseeing, Bar doesn’t have much to offer. Finding even five locations that could be called attractions is a challenge. What wouldn’t even make the top 20 in Kotor is considered the number one site in Bar.
Below is a map of Bar’s beaches, restaurants, and attractions:
Green marks on the map – beaches
Purple marks – taverns and restaurants
Dark red marks – attractions
What to See in Bar as a Tourist
1. Stari Bar (Old Bar) – The Historic Heart of the City
Located 5 km from the coast, Old Bar is the birthplace of the city’s history. It’s easily accessible by car, public bus, or even on foot. Without a doubt, this is the most significant attraction in Bar. Here, you’ll find medieval streets, a fortress on a hill, a clock tower, an aqueduct, fortress gates, and a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the surrounding area.
- 📍 Coordinates: 42.093182768878016, 19.13561003849105
- Ticket Price: €5
- Public Transport: Frequent buses from Bar (€0.50 per ticket)
- Opening Hours: 08:00 – 20:00
- Recommended Visit Time: Around 60 minutes – there’s less to see than you might expect
Author’s Rating: 8/10
The best attraction in Bar and a must-visit. Of course, it’s not the kind of place you’d return to daily just to wander around medieval streets. The fortress is not in perfect condition, and parts of it are heavily ruined, making it feel more like a set of ruins than a well-preserved historical site.
2. The Oldest Olive Tree in Montenegro – Over 2,000 Years Old
A rather unusual attraction – a massive and beautiful ancient olive tree that has unfortunately fallen victim to Montenegrin-style commercialization. The business model is as simple as it gets: fence it off, place a ticket booth, and charge visitors. There are hundreds of similar ancient olive trees in the country, and while this one may indeed be the oldest, there’s nothing particularly remarkable about it. There’s no restroom or drinking fountain—just a ticket booth and a souvenir stall.
- 📍 Coordinates: 42.08015, 19.12938
- Location: 5.6 km from Bar, near Old Bar (easy to visit both in one trip)
- Ticket Price: €2
- Opening Hours: 08:00 – 21:00
- Recommended Visit Time: 3 minutes
- Tip: One of the cheapest souvenir stalls in Montenegro is located here.
Author’s Rating: 2/10
One extra point for the impressive size and beauty of the tree. However, calling this a real tourist attraction is a stretch. If you’re passing by, it might be worth stopping for a minute to take a look.
3. Church of St. John Vladimir
This church is located in the heart of Bar, close to the promenade. It’s an architecturally striking building, especially beautiful in the evening when illuminated. This site will be most interesting for those who appreciate religious architecture and history.
- 📍 Coordinates: 42.10152, 19.09407
- Entrance: Free
- Extras: There is a church shop where you can buy souvenirs, icons, candles, and other religious items.
About religion in Montenegro: about Islam and Christianity, a lot of interesting things.
4. King Nikola’s Palace
Today, this former royal palace houses the city’s historical museum. It’s a classic local history museum featuring exhibits showcasing the daily life and traditions of Montenegrins throughout various historical periods.
- 📍 Coordinates: 42.1006, 19.09131
- Opening Hours: 09:00 – 20:00
- Ticket Price: €8
- Recommended Visit Time: 30 minutes – the museum is small, with just two floors
Author’s Rating: 6/10
Nothing extraordinary, but worth a quick visit if you have time. The exterior of the palace and the well-maintained garden behind it are more impressive than the museum itself.
That’s Pretty Much It…
These are the main sights in Bar. There isn’t much else to see in the city itself. Below is a list of interesting places outside Bar that are worth a visit. You can reach them by bus or car.
- Dobra Voda – A Young Resort Town (9 km from Bar)
- Ulcinj – The Southernmost City of Montenegro (25 km from Bar)
- Medieval fortress
- A 13 km-long sandy beach
- Abandoned salt pans
- Ada Bojana Island
- One of my favorite places for a beach holiday
- Virpazar – A Scenic Village by Skadar Lake (20 km from Bar)
- The best starting point for a boat tour of one of the largest lakes in the Balkans
- Northern Resorts:
- Sutomore (5 km) – already mentioned in the beach section
- Petrovac (18 km)
- Sveti Stefan (28 km) – Montenegro’s postcard-perfect island-hotel
All three of these destinations can be visited in a single day trip, returning to Bar in the evening.
Where to Stay: Hotels and Apartments in Bar
Finding accommodation in Bar is not a problem. There’s a wide selection of hotels and apartments, with the latter being more prevalent. Prices are quite reasonable, even in peak season. Compared to other Montenegrin resorts, Bar is notably more affordable—certainly cheaper than Kotor or Budva.
Below, you’ll find a dynamic ranking of popular apartments and hotels in Bar. You can click on each option to see prices, photos, and reviews.
Shopping in Bar – Is It Really Better Than in Italy?
I get asked this question all the time. Honestly, I have no idea who started the rumor that Bar is some kind of global shopping capital—probably people who have never traveled beyond Bar in their lives!
Shopping in any European outlet or during seasonal sales in other countries is just as good, if not better.
Looking for luxury brands? Montenegro is not the place—head to Milan with a stack of euros.
Want a fur coat? Greece is your best bet.
Need affordable mass-market fashion? Turkey is the place to go.
Montenegrin stores don’t offer lower prices than the rest of Europe, and the selection is much worse. Plus, the country’s two largest outlets aren’t even in Bar—they’re in Podgorica.
For a detailed guide to shopping in Montenegro, check out the article linked above, where I lay out the real facts.
But if you still want to spend some cash in Bar, here are a few major shopping spots:
- Technomax 📍 42.09256085116414, 19.101830914021306
- A large electronics supermarket.
- LC Waikiki 📍 42.09233073718986, 19.10191220231511
- A standard Turkish mass-market store. Prices are the same as anywhere in Europe, and seasonal sales are no different. You can grab jeans for €10 on sale.
- HDL Lakovic 📍 42.091680604842146, 19.101963383854415
- A massive grocery supermarket—you’ll find everything you need.
- Čakan 📍 42.09240239114767, 19.110647900149885
- A sports outlet. We usually buy sneakers here—Nike, Adidas, Puma for €30-50.
That said, we’ve bought sneakers for the same €30-40 at outlets in Warsaw and Belgrade, so there’s nothing special about Bar’s shopping scene. It’s just a standard European price. So where people get the idea that Bar has the best shopping in the world, I have no clue.
How to Get to Bar: Bus & Train
This is a short section—but with a little-known travel hack!
As I mentioned earlier, Bar is a transport hub for cargo shipping, but it also has great connectivity for passengers. Its location is ideal:
- 50 km from Podgorica and its international airport
- 35 km from Budva, Montenegro’s main tourist resort
- 58 km from Tivat Airport
There are frequent, affordable buses from almost any coastal town.
It’s important to know:
There are no direct buses from any airport to Bar—you’ll have to transfer either in Podgorica or Budva.
If you’re flying into Podgorica Airport, you’re in luck—there’s a train line from the capital to Bar that passes right by the airport. 6 to 10 trains run daily on this route, stopping at “Aerodrom” station.
For details on how to find the station, where to buy tickets, and more, check out my article on buses and trains in Montenegro.
The train ride takes just one hour, and you’ll be at the coast!
Final Thoughts: Who Should Visit Bar?
Bar is ideal for:
✅ A 1-2 day stop for travelers
✅ Those flying into Podgorica and needing a quick way to the coast
✅ People taking the ferry to Italy
✅ Families with small children—the city is flat, has wide sidewalks, and a long promenade, making it stroller-friendly
For everyone else—just keep driving. No great beaches, no must-see attractions, no authentic Montenegrin charm.
Resources to help you plan your dream trip to Montenegro
- WayAway: Cheap flights and best deals.
- Car rental in Montenegro:
- LocalRent – works with local rental companies. Leader in car rental in Montenegro.
- DiscoverCars – a large international platform.
- Budget-friendly vacation packages to Montenegro: CheapOair.
- Hotels and apartments all over the country:
- Trip.com – the most popular accommodation booking platform
- TripAdvisor compares the prices among dozens of other booking services and offer the best price
- Tours, excursions and activities (including extreme ones):
- GetYourGuide – more than 800 tours
- Viator – 1000+ excursions and activities throughout the country
- Comprehensive travel insurance: EKTA
- Internet and Calls:
- Airalo eSIM in Montenegro
- Drimsim – universal sim card for frequent traveler
- Taxi and airport transfers: Intui.Travel